Leadership & Staff

Meet Our Staff:

  • Jay Sinclair

Jay brings comprehensive experience in business, project and systems management to the organization. Jay is from the United Kingdom and moved to Syracuse ten years ago. He has a deep understanding of the health sector, both public and private, and its most recent developments and reorganizations. Jay was previously the CEO at Pathfinder Healthcare Development Community Interest Company CiC, a Primary Care Organization in the West Midlands. He then founded and directed Ark Home Healthcare, a Homecare Company providing services to clients within their own home. Since moving to Syracuse, Jay has been an active member in the community. He has sat as Chair of the Board for the Hebrew Day School and volunteered for Meals on Wheels. 

  • Hannah Pietra, MS, LCAT, MT-BC, CLC

Hannah helps coordinate and facilitate programs within SJFS’s Arts & Minds Initiative. She also provides clinical services to SJFS. Hannah holds board certification as a music therapist and is a licensed creative arts therapist. Her credentials enable her to use a variety of approaches to meet the needs and preferences of clients. Hannah can work with clientele across the age spectrum, from young children to older adults.  She holds a Bachelor of Music in string performance from Syracuse University, and a Master of Science in Creative Arts Therapy from Nazareth College.

  • Ellen Somers, MA, LMHC, LPC

Ellen has an M.A. in clinical psychology and a graduate certificate in gerontology. Her primary areas of interest are in cognitive health and dementia care. Ellen has nearly 30 years of experience using a variety of intervention methods to support the needs of older adults and persons with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.

  • Evelyn Harris Kinsey, MSW

Evelyn is a Medicaid Coordinator, Group Facilitator through PACE, and member of the Aging Life Care Association (ALCA). Evelyn has experience working with a diverse elder population with myriad needs including physical, emotional and mental health issues. Evelyn enjoys working with and for elderly populations throughout Central New York to promote sustainability and independence while aging.

  • David Donaghy, LCSW-R

David is a clinical social worker with over 40 years of experience in the local mental health and chemical dependency fields. He has also completed the Geriatric Scholar Certificate Program. He employs a supportive, solutions-focused approach when working with clients.

  • Rob Hoston

Rob brings nearly two decades of experience assisting seniors over 60 with acquiring formal services through Onondaga County agencies that help them remain safely and independently in their homes. Prior to SJFS, Rob worked with Syracuse Meals on Wheels. When asked “why you do the work?”, Rob’s answer is simple: “There are not a lot of jobs where you can go home every day with the feeling that you have in some small way helped someone and made a difference in their life.”

  • Peg Miller, LMSW
  • Internship Supervisor, Clinician, & BeWell Educator
  • (315) 446-9111, ext. 237
  • millerp@sjfs.org

As a longtime advocate for a holistic approach to well-being, Peg has brought this approach to infant care, foster care, trauma response, supervision and training, and clinical work. She teaches a class on “Zen and the Art of Graceful Aging” through OASIS. In addition, she provides clinical services and supervises the SJFS internship program. Prior to SJFS, Peg directed the field instruction program at the Syracuse University School of Social Work.

  • Bertha E. Jacobs, LCSW-R

Bertha’s professional experience includes working in the mental health and juvenile justice systems. She is also skilled working with developmentally challenged individuals including those with spectrum disorders. Bertha works with individuals, couples and groups. She completed the 31 Credit Geriatric Scholars Program and is active with the National Association of Social Workers. She is involved in civic activities focusing on social issues and community improvement.

  • Mark Savad, LCSW-R

Mark is a clinical social worker with extensive experience in individual group therapy settings. He has experience working with myriad populations including families and veterans, and facilitating spiritual and palliative care.